Treating perfectionism using internet-based cognitive behavior therapy: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing two types of treatment

Abstract

Perfectionism is characterized by setting high standards and striving for achievement, sometimes at the expense of social relationships and wellbeing. Despite sometimes being viewed as a positive feature by others, people with perfectionism tend to be overly concerned about their performance and how they are being perceived by people around them. This tends to create inflexible standards, cognitive biases, and performance-related behaviors that maintain a belief that self-worth is linked to accomplishments. Cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to be a viable treatment for perfectionism, both in terms of reducing levels of perfectionism and improving psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, a number of recent studies indicate that it can be successfully delivered via the Internet, both with regular support and guidance on demand from a therapist. In the present study protocol, a clinical trial for perfectionism is described and outlined. In total, 128 participants will be recruited and randomized to either a treatment that has already been demonstrated to have many benefits, Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for perfectionism (iCBT-P), or an active comparison condition, Internet-based Unified Protocol (iUP), targeting the emotions underlying depression and anxiety disorders. The results will be investigated with regard to self-reported outcomes of perfectionism, psychiatric symptoms, self-compassion, and quality of life, at post-treatment and at six- and 12-month follow-up. Both iCBT-P and iUP are expected to have a positive impact, but the difference between the two conditions in terms of their specific effects and adherence are currently unknown and will be explored. The clinical trial is believed to lead to a better understanding of how perfectionism can be treated and the specificity of different treatments.

Intervention for Nigerian preservice historians’ maladaptive academic perfectionism

“…The findings are consistent with Victor-Aigbodion et al [24] work, which reported a significant decrease in participants’ academic perfectionism following a CBC intervention. The current findings corroborate previous research demonstrating the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral model in addressing perfectionism issues [26,27] . Additionally, the findings corroborate those of Kothari et al, who reported a significant decrease in maladaptive perfectionism among their subjects [28] …”

“…The current findings corroborate previous research demonstrating the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral model in addressing perfectionism issues. [26,27] Additionally, the findings corroborate those of Kothari et al, who reported a significant decrease in maladaptive perfectionism among their subjects. [28] Additionally, the findings of this study corroborate those of Shafran et al, [29] who discovered that a cognitive behavioral treatment model was effective in reducing participants' maladaptive perfectionism in a randomized controlled trial.…”

“…The current findings corroborate previous research demonstrating the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral model in addressing perfectionism issues. [ 26 , 27 ] Additionally, the findings corroborate those of Kothari et al, who reported a significant decrease in maladaptive perfectionism among their subjects. [ 28 ]…”

Procrastination Among University Students: Differentiating Severe Cases in Need of Support From Less Severe Cases

“…Participants rated each life domain using a 10-point Likert-scale ranging from 0 = not at all to 10 = very much. The life domains were inspired by the type of value measures often used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( Reilly et al, 2019 ), and are commonly employed in many clinical trials (e.g., Buhrman et al, 2020 ; Ehlers et al, 2020 ).…”

A therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy program for Hong Kong university students with psychological distress: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Evidence has shown that internet-based interventions for common mental health issues often result in outcomes similar to those of face-to-face psychotherapy ( Carlbring et al, 2018 ). As for university students, recent studies have developed some guided iCBT programs that address their mental health concerns, such as perfectionism ( Buhrman et al, 2020 ), anxiety and/or depression (e.g. Harrer et al, 2021 ; Raevuori et al, 2021 ;), procrastination ( Küchler et al, 2019 ), and somatic symptom distress ( Hennemann et al, 2018 ); and some unguided iCBT programs addressing psychological or physical problems ( Fabritiis et al, 2022 ), social anxiety and insomnia ( Attridge et al, 2020 ), and public speaking fear ( Tillfors et al, 2008 ).…”